A child is struggling to find missing numbers in addition
Several people have asked me about this... what to do when a 1st grader is struggling to grasp the concept of missing numbers in addition problems, such as 3 + ___ = 8.
This concept comes up quite early in Math Mammoth Grade 1, and it is called "missing addends". You can see some pages from that lesson in the sample file for grade 1, on page 19.
Here's a way to test if a child is ready for that concept.
Take some small objects like beans. Using some small amount, say 5, show the child the 5 beans in your hand. Now hide SOME of them behind your back and show the child the ones that didn't go hiding. Ask him or her how many are hiding.
It's basically a GAME... you can call it "Some went hiding" game. 
Besides not being ready for the concept, one other reason why finding missing addends may be difficult is because children often confuse the notation 2 + ___ = 6 with the addition problem 2 + 6. Starting with the game and concrete objects can help with that also.
However, if even the game is difficult, then the child just needs more time to let his/her brain mature. Meanwhile, you could explore other topics, such as two-digit numbers, geometry, measurement, and clock.
By Maria Miller
Receive my monthly collection of math tips & resources directly in your inbox — and get a FREE Math Mammoth book!
You can unsubscribe at any time.
Math Mammoth TourConfused about the different options? Take a virtual email tour around Math Mammoth! You'll receive: An initial email to download your GIFT of over 400 free worksheets and sample pages from my books. Six other "TOURSTOP" emails that explain the important things and commonly asked questions concerning Math Mammoth curriculum. (Find out the differences between all these different-colored series!)This way, you'll have time to digest the information over one or two weeks, plus an opportunity to ask me personally about the curriculum. A monthly collection of math teaching tips & Math Mammoth updates (unsubscribe any time) We respect your email privacy.
Note: You will FIRST get an email that asks you to confirm your email address. If you cannot find this confirmation email, please check your SPAM/JUNK folder. |
"Mini" Math Teaching CourseThis is a little "virtual" 2-week course, where you will receive emails on important topics on teaching math, including:
- How to help a student who is behind You will also receive: A GIFT of over 400 free worksheets and sample pages from my books right in the very beginning.
A monthly collection of math teaching tips & Math Mammoth updates (unsubscribe any time)
We respect your email privacy.
Note: You will FIRST get an email that asks you to confirm your email address. If you cannot find this confirmation email, please check your SPAM/JUNK folder. |
Maria's Math TipsEnter your email to receive math teaching tips, resources, Math Mammoth news & sales, humor, and more! I tend to send out these tips about once monthly, near the beginning of the month, but occasionally you may hear from me twice per month (and sometimes less often). Peek at the previous tips here. You will also receive:
We respect your email privacy.
|
|